- By Priyanka Koul
- Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:16 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Canada: As the United States ramps up its trade war against Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is preparing to fight back with strong countermeasures. Speaking at a mining convention in Toronto, Ford reaffirmed his stance against US President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs. He warned that if the tariffs move forward, Ontario will retaliate by cutting electricity exports to US border states.
Today, I wrote to the governors, senators and congressmen and women from New York, Michigan and Minnesota putting them on notice that Ontario is prepared to add a 25 per cent surcharge to the electricity we export to their states if President Trump’s tariffs remain in place.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 4, 2025
If… pic.twitter.com/pQwCelzHNp
This comes after the US imposed a 25% tax on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports.
Ford Vows to Cut US Energy Supply if Tariffs Proceed
The US recently announced a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports, a move that has sparked outrage among Canadian leaders. In response, Ford made it clear that Ontario will not passively accept the economic impact of these measures.
Canada and Ontario didn’t start this trade war with President Trump, but Team Canada is ready to win it.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 4, 2025
As a first step in our response, Ontario will rip up our contract with Starlink, take U.S. alcohol off LCBO’s shelves and ban U.S. companies from government procurements. pic.twitter.com/ppabqSVjjR
Canada plays a critical role as the largest energy supplier to the US , providing crude oil, petroleum products, hydropower, natural gas, and electricity. The new tariffs are expected to raise energy costs, particularly in Midwestern states that rely on Canadian imports.
Ford believes the only way to make the US reconsider its decision is by making them feel the impact. “They rely on our energy; they need to feel the consequences,” he stated, calling on other provinces, including Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia, to take similar action.
Ontario Cancels Starlink Deal in Retaliation
One of the most significant casualties of Ontario’s retaliation is the province’s contract with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Ford announced that the $100 million deal, originally intended to provide internet to 15,000 homes and businesses, has been canceled. “We’re tearing up Ontario’s contract with Starlink. It’s over,” Ford declared.
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Ban on US Alcohol Imports
In another bold move, Ford revealed plans to remove all US alcohol from Ontario’s store shelves. He criticized Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, questioning why the US would target a long-time ally.
“I can’t understand why he’s attacking his closest neighbors, allies, and friends. A tariff on Canada is a tax on Americans,” Ford said, emphasizing that Canada will not back down.